Interlaken Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Interlaken Park is a 51-acre urban oasis located in Seattle, Washington.


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Summary

It was established in 1901 and is known for its lush forests, hiking trails, and scenic views of the city skyline. The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, birdwatching, and picnicking.

One of the main attractions of Interlaken Park is the Olmsted Boulevard, a historic road that winds through the park and offers stunning views of Lake Union and the Cascade Mountains. Another popular feature is the Interlaken Trail, a 2.5-mile hiking trail that connects the park to the nearby Arboretum.

In addition to its natural beauty, Interlaken Park has a rich history. It was named after the town of Interlaken in Switzerland and was designed by the famous landscape architects, the Olmsted Brothers. The park was also the site of a Civil War-era military camp and a logging operation in the late 1800s.

The best time to visit Interlaken Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, the park is open year-round and offers beautiful views of fall foliage and snow-covered trees in the winter.

Overall, Interlaken Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike. With its beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and a variety of activities to enjoy, it's no wonder that Interlaken Park is one of the most popular parks in the state of Washington.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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